Tonkatsu Miyako

On weekends, a line forms outside this beloved tonkatsu shop in the gourmet district of Azabu-Juban — one of the most popular in the area.
Run by Niku no Ishikawa, a meat wholesaler, the shop doesn’t commit to a single pork brand. Instead, they source whichever cut has the best quality on that particular day.

The signature tonkatsu stands out for its ultra-fine, golden breadcrumb coating, delivering a toasty aroma and a crisp, airy crunch.
In the jo rosu katsu set, the lean meat is clean and light, while the fatty edge packs a rich, flavorful punch.
On the table are their house-made sauce with restrained sweetness, and salts from France and Bolivia.
The rice is premium Koshihikari from Makihara in Yoita, Niigata, known for its strong aroma and deep flavor that pair beautifully with the pork.

Even the side dishes — rice, tonjiru pork miso soup, and pickles — are executed with care.
The tonjiru is deeply flavorful, with large-cut vegetables cooked until tender, and generous chunks of pork made from trimmings of tonkatsu cuts, adding satisfying bite.

A tonkatsu that balances refinement with hearty boldness, all for under 2,000 yen, feels like an incredible bargain.
Wagyu and sushi may have their place, but sometimes, there’s nothing better than digging into a plate of crisp tonkatsu with a big bowl of steaming white rice.